China Financial and Economic News:

In recent years, as China's urbanization has accelerated and large-scale population movements have occurred, a significant number of migrant and left-behind children have emerged. What has the MCA done to care for and protect these children? What further steps will be taken to better support their healthy growth? Thank you.

Lu Zhiyuan:

I would like to invite Mr. Guo to answer these questions.

Guo Yuqiang:

Thank you for your questions. Mr. Lu has already introduced the work done by civil affairs departments in the field of child welfare. Regarding the protection of rights and provision of care services for migrant and left-behind children, civil affairs departments have thoroughly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, continuously creating a favorable environment for children's healthy growth. Our efforts have focused on four aspects:

First, we've refined our policy framework. We've collaborated with relevant departments to issue a series of policy documents, including guidelines for labor-intensive enterprises to strengthen care for rural left-behind children, opinions on leveraging expertise of social workers, guidelines on improving the care service system for left-behind children, and an action plan to enhance care and protection for migrant children. These documents provide a policy basis for ensuring care and protection for migrant and left-behind children.

Second, we've improved working mechanisms. With the approval from the State Council, we established a working group under the National Working Committee on Children and Women (NWCCW) to safeguard the rights of migrant and left-behind children. The group held plenary sessions to define departmental responsibilities clearly. We also convened a national conference on protecting the rights of migrant and left-behind children, outlining plans and arrangements for this work.

Third, we've launched two special initiatives. The first is a three-year campaign to improve care and services for rural left-behind children and children in difficult circumstances, aiming to enhance the overall quality of our work. The second is a campaign to enhance care and protection for migrant children, focusing on ensuring they have equal access to basic public services, family education guidance, and integration support in their places of residence.

Fourth, we've strengthened grassroots foundations. Civil affairs departments have guided child welfare supervisors and directors in conducting home visits, verifying information, and providing care services. We've also supported local authorities to improve facilities for assisting and protecting minors, enhancing their role in providing guardianship for children in need, training local staff, and encouraging social participation. These efforts have yielded significant results.

Next, we'll leverage the NWCCW's working group to safeguard the rights of migrant and left-behind children. We'll collaborate with relevant departments to mobilize various resources, establish systems, conduct solid work, and continuously improve care and services for these children. Thank you.